OKALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
GULF POWER FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR CAREER PATHWAYS
Local students and families now have easily accessible information to make more informed decisions about education and career options at their fingertips through Okaloosa County Career Pathways.
Specific education pathways from middle school through university level are compiled in an easy-to-follow “First, Next, Later” in a number of in-demand industry sectors along with job titles and expected hourly wages at each education level.
The program is being made possible through a five-year grant from the Gulf Power Foundation to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations with Career Pathways websites and resources being developed in the company’s eight county service territory. A comprehensive site – Northwest Florida Career Pathways – allows students to explore options throughout the region.
The local program is being facilitated through the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the school district, other education institutions and civic and economic development organizations. In addition to the online and print resources, grant funds will support related activities through the education foundation each school year.
April Branscome, CTE Program Director shared that, “This funding will allow the Okaloosa County School District’s CTE Department to share with students, parents and community the value of participating in a CTE program. Through the marketing and branding provided, we will be able to show our students how they will be better prepared for their future through enrolling in a CTE pathway. We are very appreciative of the support from Gulf Power through this grant.”
“We are honored to support our community partners as they help students and their families explore the multitude of available options and make informed, intentional decisions about their future,” said Sandy Sims, Director of External Relations. “Gulf Power has a long history of supporting the communities that we both live in and serve, and that includes working together with our partners to grow and enhance Northwest Florida’s economy.”
About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF):
The CFEF is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the CFEF maximizes the individual and collective strength of Florida local education foundations to support local partners and schools. The CFEF has 64 member foundations with 1,100 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members. Collectively, they raise more than $64 million annually to support students, teachers and schools through a variety of programs. The CFEF has provided more than $51 million to local education foundations since 2001 through various private- and public-sector partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program.
2019-2020 School Year